Ikea plans to invest about $77 million into clean-technology startups over the next five years, with the goal of eventually selling solar panels, smart meters and other technology in its stores, according to Cleantech.
Similar to its goal with other products it sells, the copany wants to offer high quality products at really low prrices. Ikea also sells houses, and there could be an opportunity to integrate the clean technologies in houses from the ground up.
IKEA could invest in about 10 startups over the next few years, with the focus on five key areas: solar panels, alternative light sources, product materials, energy efficiency, and water saving and purification.
Ikea has about 270 stores in 35 countries, and half a billion customers per year.
Among other moves in support of sustainability, IKEA will eliminate use of plastic bags at its check out in October.
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Comments
Great to see Ikea are entering the energy reduction sphere, are they addressing there “energy efficiency” of their own stores and outlets?
Steve August 13th, 2008We are working with many retail chains to reduce their air-conditioning by 40%-50% by cooling their buildings sustainably, hopefully IKEA are doing similar.